As we age, our bodies begin to undergo changes, including decreased physical resistance, decreased flexibility, changes in strength, decreased balance, decreased cardiovascular fitness, and an increase in chronic degenerative diseases, which can make it difficult to perform daily activities.

The Pilates method for seniors has been widely sought after as a form of rehabilitation for pain caused by the aging process, with the main objective of maintaining and improving the health of seniors through the use of specific exercises. The method allows us to treat whatever is identified in the patient, and with its vast repertoire we can work effectively and healthily for these seniors.

Pilates exercises are associated with stimuli that improve balance, which consequently reduces the risk of falls, improves strength and flexibility, as well as visibly improving self-esteem, as seniors become more confident in following their routines and feel better physically. In addition to the physical aspect, mental health in seniors is very important and deserves care. The elderly need stimulation to work their minds, and Pilates offers this at all times during the session. To perform Pilates movements, the person needs to be focused on body and mind, making a connection between the movements, thus stimulating the physical and mental.
It is very important that the elderly are always evaluated before starting their sessions to identify their real needs. To apply any technique, it is necessary to respect the body and its limitations by working gradually. It is important to remember that all of them have exercises for beginners, intermediate and advanced levels, and if necessary, the physiotherapist must make the necessary adaptations. Among the main reasons that lead the elderly to seek Pilates with a physiotherapist are lack of balance/falls, muscle weakness and difficulties in daily activities, and pain (due to some disease in the spine, joints or muscles).
To relieve pain, it is necessary to analyze the need and see which exercises will be used according to the patient's problem. If it is weakness or illness, it is important to remember that mobilization during exercises should be evaluated in cases of osteoporosis, which is very common in this age group.

The reinforcement, in terms of stretching, as well as mobilization, stabilization and centralization present in the method's exercises will help to alleviate and often even cure the symptoms – be it pain or weakness of the spine, or another part of the body – thus improving the person's quality of life.

That is why the Pilates method ends up being complete, always contemplating and bringing countless benefits to the needs of the elderly, and assisting in all physical and mental needs, in addition to improving the most important thing, which is health as a whole, having an effect on the patient's quality of life.

Renato Machado